No Regrets: A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir

It all started in January of 1973, when Frehley, a self-taught musician and Bronx native, spotted an advertisement in The Village Voice posted by Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons: “Guitarist wanted with flash and balls.”

     “I figured I had both,” Frehley writes, “so I answered the ad.”

     Within a few years, KISS was playing spectacular live shows to sold-out stadiums all over the world, decked out in their iconic costumes and makeup. The band was raking in millions of dollars on tours, albums, and merchandise; the rabid KISS Army numbered in the six figures; and Frehley—aka “The Spaceman”—had transformed from a scrappy, music-obsessed kid to one of the most famous and revered guitarists of his era, hailed by critics and adored by fans.

     In No Regrets, Frehley opens up about his unbelievable exploits as one of the founding members of KISS: the make-up, the money, the women, the partying, and the brushes with death (including the two times Gene Simmons saved him from drowning). He recounts his battles with drug addiction, sets the record straight about his falling-out with Simmons and Paul Stanley, and describes his evolution as a musician—all with his characteristic humor and honesty. No Regrets is a must-have for any KISS fan.

He was just a boy from the Bronx with stars in his eyes. But when he picked up his guitar and painted stars on his face, Ace Frehley transformed into “The Spaceman”—and helped turn KISS into one of the top-selling bands of all time. Now, for the first time, the beloved rock icon reveals his side of the story with no-holds-barred honesty . . . and no regrets.

For KISS fans, Ace offers a rare behind-the-makeup look at the band’s legendary origins, including the lightning-bolt logo he designed and the outfits his mother sewed. He talks about the unspoken division within the band—he and Peter Criss versus Paul Stanley and Gene

Simmons—because the other two didn’t “party every day.” Ace also reveals the inside story behind his turbulent break-up with KISS, their triumphant reunion a decade later, and his smash solo career. Along the way, he shares wild stories about dancing at Studio 54 with “The Bionic Woman,” working as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix, and bar-flying all night with John Belushi. In the end, he comes to terms with his highly publicized descent into alcohol, drugs, and self-destruction—ultimately managing to conquer his demons and come out on top.

This is Ace Frehley. No makeup. No apologies. No regrets.